As Election Day Beckons, Cardinals Stress Importance Of Voting

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Young voters are generally apathetic, so the Cardinals have made it a point to educate their players as part of the NFL Votes campaign that began in August. According to the NFL and NFLPA, 90 percent of active players are registered to vote.


"I don't want to say this is the first time we've really talked about the importance of voting... but it's certainly been a stronger push now," defensive tackle Corey Peters said. "I think a lot of the guys who weren't previously registered are now registered, and maybe this is going to be the first election they vote in. I'm just excited for more people to get involved in the process, so you can educate yourself and really have an understanding of why things are the way that they are."


After a strife-filled year headlined by racial tensions and COVID-19, left tackle D.J. Humphries speaks for many when he says this election feels like it has a heightened sense of importance.


"My first opportunity that I had to vote, I did a North Carolina mail-in ballot when I was in college," Humphries said. "It didn't mean as much to me then. Obviously I was still young, 18 years old, so it was a little different. This time around, it definitely feels imperative to make sure that I vote and I make sure that everyone around me is voting – holding them accountable even if they don't want to vote. Getting them in the polls and getting them educated on the options, and what are the stances.


"This year, it definitely seems like everyone across the world seems to be eager. I saw a stat the other day that was showing the numbers, and voters 18-to-24 had almost tripled or quadrupled over the last four years. It's impressive to see how everyone is taking to the polls and taking it seriously."


During the summer months, in the wake of George Floyd's death, Humphries spoke passionately about the need for change, both in the justice system and the private sector.


He was one of many Black players on the Cardinals who vocalized their opinions during that time, and outside linebacker Haason Reddick believes Election Day is a good way to kickstart reform.


"It's wild times, man," Reddick said. "It's crazy. The world and the U.S. is in a wild state right now, with everything that's going on. I do think it's time for a change, and it has to start with voting. I encourage people to get out there and vote so we can get the change that, for the most part, we know that we need."

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